"
)
672
MANATEE
MANATEE
HILLSBOROUGH
POLK
HIGHLANDS
HARDEE
DESOTO
¬
«
70
SARASOTA
¬
«
64
Lithia
¬
«
60
§
¨¦
4
£
¤
17
¬
«
17
"
)
630
Zolfo Springs
¬
«
570
Wimauma
Inwood
Bartow
Dundee
Alcoma
Waverly
Arcadia
Nocatee
Sebring
Wahneta
Mulberry
Lakeland
Wauchula
Homeland
Avon Park
Auburndale
Fort Meade
Eagle Lake
Lake Wales
Plant City
Fort Green
Winter Haven
Lake Hamilton
Bowling Green
Highland City
Fussels Corner
Cypress Gardens
Jan Phyl Village
Lake of the Hills
£
¤
27
£
¤
17
£
¤
92
£
¤
17
£
¤
98
£
¤
98
¬
«
17
¬
«
37
¬
«
64
¬
«
66
¬
«
60
¬
«
62
¬
«
72
¬
«
674
¬
«
39
"
)
39
"
)
640
"
)
634
"
)
665
"
)
630
"
)
555
"
)
636
"
)
CR 542
"
)
661
"
)
780
"
)
663
"
)
64A
"
)
621
"
)
CR 546
"
)
634
"
)
661
"
)
664
"
)
64
¯
M a p 1
M a p 1
0 8 164 Miles
Wetlands
Water
Designated Paddling Trail Index
Designated Paddling Trail
F l o r i d a D e s i g n a t e d
F l o r i d a D e s i g n a t e d
P a d d l i n g T r a i l s
P a d d l i n g T r a i l s
P e a c e R i v e r
P e a c e R i v e r
M a p 2
M a p 2
M a p 3
M a p 3
M a p 4
M a p 4
M a p 5
M a p 5
M a p 6
M a p 6
¬
«
60
"
)
559
"
)
655
"
)
640
Mosaic Peace River
Park
Polk Lake
£
¤
17
£
¤
98
£
¤
17
£
¤
98
Connersville
Lake Garfield
Homeland
CLOWER ST
Lake Ann
Lake Beulah
COX ST
Sand Lake
STUART ST
MAIN ST
CHURCH ST
WOODLAWN AVE
VAN FLEET DR
LYLE PKWY
WABASH ST
MLK JR BLVD
BEAR CREEK DR
OLD EAGLE LAKE RD
KISSINGEN AVE
OAK AVE
HOMELAND-GARFIELD RD
Homeland
FPC Hines
Conservation Easement
Clear Springs
POLK
Integrated Habitat
Network Lands
Bartow
Access Point 2:
Heritage Peace River Landing
N: 27.8128 W: -81.7936
Access Point 1: SR 60 Bridge
N: 27.9022 W: -81-8169
0 1 20.5 Miles
¯
!|
!|
Wetlands
Florida Conservation Lands
Peace River Paddling Trail
Canoe/Kayak Launch
!|
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 1
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 1
£
¤
17
£
¤
98
£
¤
17
£
¤
98
NW 6TH ST
EDGEWOOD DR
9TH ST NE
ORANGE AVE
MT PISGAH RD
O
L
D
B
O
W
L
I
N
G
G
R
E
E
N
R
D
HUTCHINS RD
B
E
R
Q
U
I
S
T
R
D
POLK
FPC Hines
Conservation Easement
Bowlegs Creek
Homeland
South
Peace River
Peace River
Hammock
Camp Meeting Ground Branch
Conservation Easement
W
h
i
d
d
e
n
C
r
e
e
k
Pembroke
Fort Meade
Access Point 3: Ft Meade
Outdoor Rec Area
N: 27.7515 W: -81.7822
Access Point 4: CR 657
N: 27.7234 W: -81.7895
0 1 20.5 Miles
¯
!|
I
*
Þ
!|
Wetlands
Florida Conservation Lands
Peace River Paddling Trail
Canoe/Kayak Launch
!|
Potable Water
Þ
Restrooms
I
*
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 2
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 2
MT PISGAH RD
POLK
HARDEE
Paynes Creek
Historic State Park
MT PISGAH RD
Torrey
COUNTY LINE RD
£
¤
17
LAKE BRANCH RD
"
)
664A
DOC COIL RD
¬
«
62
POLK RD
South Peace River
South Ft Meade/Hardee County Conservation Easement
North Wauchula
MAIN ST
H
E
A
R
D
B
R
I
D
G
E
R
D
P
a
y
n
e
s
C
r
e
e
k
"
)
664
"
)
664
"
)
664A
"
)
664A
Bowling Green
Access Point 6: Lower CR 664-A Bridge
N: 27.5760 W: -81.8045
CR 664-A Bridge
N: 27.6246 W: -81.8027
0 1 20.5 Miles
¯
!|
I*
Þ
!|
Wetlands
Florida Conservation Lands
Peace River Paddling Trail
Canoe/Kayak Launch
!|
Potable Water
Þ
Restrooms
I*
State Parks
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 3
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 3
Access Point 5: Paynes Creek State Park
N: 27.6209 W: -81.8034
"
)
664A
North Wauchula
South Ft Meade/Hardee County Conservation Easement
"
)
35B
South Wauchula
¬
«
64A
MAIN ST
MANLEY RD
"
)
35A
FLORIDA AVE
LOUISIANA ST
BOYD COWART RD
GRIFFIN RD
MLK JR AVE
5TH AVE
6TH AVE
£
¤
17
"
)
636
¬
«
64
"
)
652
¬
«
64
Zolfo Springs
HARDEE
£
¤
17
¬
«
66
F
L
O
R
I
D
A
C
R
A
C
K
E
R
T
R
A
I
L
South Ft Meade/Hardee County
Conservation Easement
Wauchula
Access Point 7: Crews Park
N: 27.5507 W: -81.7936
Access Point 9: Pioneer Park
N: 27.5037 W: -81.8057
Access Point 8: CR 652 Bridge
N: 27.5405 W: -81.7919
0 1 20.5 Miles
¯
I*
Þ
!9 !|
!|
I*
Þ
!|
Wetlands
Florida Conservation Lands
Peace River Paddling Trail
Canoe/Kayak Launch
!|
Potable Water
Þ
Restrooms
I*
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 4
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 4
£
¤
17
HARDEE
DESOTO
"
)
665
Limestone
"
)
665
"
)
661
MURPHY RD
Buchanan
Moffitt
Brownville
R
I
V
E
R
R
D
Gardner
Access Point 10: Gardner Boat Ramp
N: 27.3465 W: -81.8264
0 1 20.5 Miles
¯
!|
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 5
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 5
Wetlands
Peace River Paddling Trail
Canoe/Kayak Launch
!|
HARDEE
DESOTO
"
)
661
BROWNVILLE ST
£
¤
17
CUBITIS AVE
¬
«
70
MASTERS AVE
BISHOP RD
LIVINGSTON AVE
JOHNSON AVE
GIBSON ST
Lansing
Cubitis
Brownville
Morgan
Park
Arcadia
Access Point 11: Brownville Park
N: 27.2979 W: -81.8465
0 1 20.5 Miles
¯
I
*
Þ
!9 !|
I
*
Þ
!|
Access Point 13: DeSoto County Park
N: 27.2242 W: -81.8819
Wetlands
Florida Conservation Lands
Peace River Paddling Trail
Canoe/Kayak Launch
!|
Potable Water
Þ
Restrooms
I
*
Camping
!9
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 6
P e a c e R i v e r P a d d l i n g T r a i l M a p 6
Access Point 12: Canoe Outpost
N: 27.2348 W: -81.8881
Peace River Paddling Trail Guide
The Waterway
Officially, the Peace River Paddling Trail begins at Fort Meade and winds through cypress swamps, shady
hammocks and hardwood forests to end 67 miles later, at State Road 70, just west of Arcadia. Above Fort
Meade, the river is often too shallow to navigate. After Arcadia, you can continue to the Charlotte Harbor
estuary, where it fans out and mingles with the Myakka and Caloosahatchee.
The most outstanding feature
of the Peace River is its intriguing geology. Large limestone formations frequently emerge from the banks
and river bottom, creating shoals and gentle rapids (depending on water levels). The river is also a renowned
destination for fossil hunting and people flock to the river searching for ancient relics in the river's depths. It is
allowed to collect fossilized sharks teeth, fossilized plants and shells, but to collect fossilized animals you
must obtain a permit
for a small fee. Fossil collecting is not permitted on State Lands between Bartow and
Wauchula.
The Paddling Experience
This 67-mile long scenic river is perfect for beginners. One can launch a canoe or kayak at one of its many
public access points, then paddle upstream a mile or two and drift lazily back to your point of origin. You
won’t find a more tranquil and relaxing setting, or a better way to spend an afternoon. But if you’re seeking a
little solitude in the wilderness, you might try an overnighter, like the 23-mile trip from Zolfo Springs to
Gardner. A number of access points along the river don't have parking and should only be used as drop-off
points. Vehicles should not be left overnight in remote locations- contact local outfitters to arrange shuttle
service and safe parking.
When water is low, paddlers should expect to drag boats regularly. The river becomes shallow in the northern
stretches first. For the section from Bartow to the Heritage Peace River Landing, it is advised that the
USGS
gauge at Bartow should have a flow rate minimum of 30 CFS. From the Heritage Landing to Ft. Meade, it is
advised that the USGS gauge level at Fort Meade is a minimum of 72 feet. Day paddling from any of the
launch sites can be done even at low water levels. Contact local outfitters listed in the paddling guide to
check on water levels when planning a trip.
Access Points
#1, Start of the Trail, SR 60 Bridge, Bartow
Take SR 60 east through Bartow and the Peace River Bridge and launch is on the town’s outskirts.
#2, Mile 6.5, Homeland Heritage Landing
Overnight parking is not allowed here. There is a floating dock on the south side of the bridge. Take US Hwy
17 south to CR 640 (Homeland-Garfield Road), go east on CR 640 1.5 miles to the entrance just over the
Peace River bridge on the south side.
Peace River Paddling Trail Guide
#3, Mile 13, Ft. Mead Recreation Area
Retired and active duty military can rent canoes, kayaks, and outdoor equipment here. Located on the
southeast side of the US 98 Bridge over the Peace River, just east of the Ft. Meade city limits.
#4, Mile 16, CR 657 Bridge (Mt. Pisgah Rd.)
Currently this is an unimproved access site with no parking. Use for drop-off only. There are plans to
develop this site for recreation in the near future with paddling launch and more amenities.
#5, Mile 26, Paynes Creek Historic State Park
The Paynes Creek Historic State Park
is located just downstream where the Fort Chokonikla was built in the
mid-1800s as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. It is believed that
Indians inhabited the area since about 5,000 B.C. Launch access requires obtaining gate combination from
ranger station. There is primitive group camping near the river. Directions: Take US 17 to the town of
Bowling Green. At the traffic light, turn east onto Main Street, following the brown park signs, then turn south
onto Lake Branch Rd (SR 644A), and follow one mile to the park where there is a canoe/kayak launch. There
is also access at the SR 664A Bridge 100 yards beyond the park entrance (vehicles should be left at the
park).
#6, Mile 30, Lower SR 664-A Bridge,
There is no designated parking at this access point and should only be used for drop-offs. From US 17 in
Wauchula, turn east onto SR 664A (Rea Road). Go about .5 miles and take a left onto Heard Bridge Road.
Follow the road .5 mile to the bridge over the river.
#7, Mile 32.5 Crews Park
The park is adjacent to a residential area west of the bridge. Take US 17 to the city of Wauchula, and turn
east on Main Street (SR 64A/CR 636). Follow about one mile to the park, located at the Main Street Bridge
over the Peace River (look for blue roadside canoeing signs).
#8, Mile 33.5, CR 652 Bridge
From Wauchula, take SR 64-A .5 mile east to CR 652 (Griffin Road). Turn south on SR 652 and continue
about one mile to bridge over Peace River.
#9 Mile 37, Pioneer Park/Zolfo Springs
This is the start of the popular overnight Zolfo Springs to Gardner Run (19.5) miles. An outfitter,
Peace River
Adventures, is located here. Pioneer Park offers 62 grassy campsites, a museum and hiking trails. Corner of
U.S. Highway 17 & S.R. 64 in Zolfo Springs.
#10, Mile 56.5 Gardner Boat Ramp
This is a remote access so park at your own risk. Parking is available nearby for a fee at Canoe Outpost.
From Hwy 17, turn west on River Rd SW (102
nd
St). Road dead ends at ramp.
#11, Mile 60.5, Brownsville Park
This park overs camping and RV hookups. A simple loop nature trail, perfect for small children, can be found
on the south side of the park. On the north side are more extensive trails ideal for exploration. From Arcadia,
take US 17 north approximately 6 miles to Brownsville Street. Take a left (west) and proceed 1 mile to
Peace River Paddling Trail Guide
entrance.
#12, Mile 69, Canoe Outpost and Canoe Safari
There are several outfitters just west of Arcadia, Canoe Outpost and Canoe Safari
, located north of SR 70 on
the west side of the river just off of CR 661.
#13, Mile 70, End of the Trail, Desoto Veterans Memorial Park,
Desoto Veterans Memorial Park entrance is located on the west side of the bridge. From US 17 in Arcadia,
head west on SR 70 1.5 miles to bridge.
Outfitters and Shuttle Service
Canoe Safari, 863-494-7865, 3020 NW CR 661, Arcadia
Canoe Outpost
, 800-268-0083, 2816 NW CR 661, Arcadia,
Peace River Adventures
, 863-832-2102, Wauchula
Fossil search, Tom McLaulin Peace River Paddler, FWC
Brownsville Park, FWC Crew Park, Tom McLaulin
